A powerful earthquake struck Aleutian Islands this morning prompting a Tsunami Warning for parts of Alaska’s coastline. Update, 8:00am EDT: From the WCATWC – the Tsunami Warning has been cancelled: “NO destructive tsunami has been…
Denver sets 10 hot temp records; August 2011 goes into books as hottest ever
There was little doubt that the past month was a hot one as anyone who went outside could attest to. With August 2011 having come to a close, the empirical evidence bears out what everyone felt as the Mile…
Denver sees hottest August on record; 10 weather records tied or broken during hot month
As August 2011 came to a close and the numbers were crunched, they revealed what we already knew – it was one hot month! In fact, in the final tally Denver tied or set 10 different records during the month.
From the National Weather Service, here is the list of records:
Denver’s record setting August 2011 – From the National Weather Service:
- August 2011 hottest Denver August with average temperature 77.0 degrees. Previous record 76.8 degrees set in 1937.
- August 2011 became the 6th hottest Denver month. Hottest was 77.8 during July 1934.
- 71 consecutive days above 80 degrees through August 31st. Previous streak record 59 days set in 2002.
- Tied most August 90 degree days with 22. Tied with 1995 and 1960.
- 18th – tied record high 98 last 1986
- 23rd – tied record high 98 last 2009
- 24th – record high 98 old 97 in 1936
- 25th – record high 99 old 96 in 1913
- 28th – record high 96 old 94 last 1969
- 28th – record high minimum temperature 67 old 66 last 2010
- 31st – tied record high 98 last 1960
How did Thornton compare?
Here in Thornton we were a bit cooler than what Denver’s official measurements at DIA recorded. This is in large part due to our location further to the west.
When the typical afternoon cloud cover and thunderstorms develop in the summer, it can take more than an hour for those conditions to reach DIA. As a result the station gets the benefit of a longer period of daytime heating. This works in Thornton’s favor as we stay a bit cooler.
For us, our overall average temperature for the month was 74.0 degrees – a full three degrees cooler than DIA. That doesn’t mean it wasn’t hot for us as we recorded 20 days with 90 degree or hotter weather and every day saw 80 degrees or higher.
Are the Denver weather records really valid? Check out the stories from Examiner.com below for why they may not be.
Thornton’s September 2011 weather preview: Fall begins
As temperatures start to drop, September reminds us that summer is at an end and fall is now here. Sunshine is predominant though as the month actually has the highest percentage of sun out of any month. Sunny days and clear, cool nights are the standard weather pattern for the month.
Normal highs on the first of the month are 82 degrees with a low of 53. By the end of the month we see those high temperatures drop to an average of 73 and the lows get to a chilly 42. Overall the month averages 63.4 degrees.
Generally we can see just about any weather condition from thunderstorms to temperatures into the 90s to snow. Learn more in our complete September 2011 weather preview here.
Hurricane Irene set to become nation’s 10th billion dollar disaster of the year
The Atlantic’s first major hurricane struck the United States over the weekend becoming the first hurricane to make landfall in the country since 2008. It adds to the nation’s tally of billion dollar disasters this year and leaves at least two dozen people dead in its wake.
As reported by the Natural Disasters Examiner, initial damage estimates put losses from the storm at $7 billion. Total losses including the economic impact may approach $20 billion.
More than the economic impact though is the human toll. At latest count, at least 26 people were killed in the massive storm. Eight states stretching from Florida to Connecticut saw citizens lose their lives.
For complete coverage of Hurricane Irene, check out the links from the Natural Disasters Examiner below:
- Hurricane Irene death toll, cost continues to climb
- Satellite imagery video: Hurricane Irene from birth to demise
- Video: Timelapse tour of Manhattan as Irene hits
- Hurricane Irene in pictures – Deadly storm strikes U.S. East Coast
- Disaster preparedness: Emergency supply kit essentials for your family
Denver’s August heat on a record setting pace
With the arrival of August we typically see a decrease in daytime high temperatures making the month one of the more pleasant in Denver. This year however that has not been the case as we have seen records fall and we appear on our way into the record books with one of the hottest Augusts on record.
With three days remaining in the month, Denver has tied or broken seven warm weather temperature marks so far. These include:
- August 18 – Denver ties the record high temperature for the date of 98°. The mark was last set in 1986.
- August 23 – The high temperature at DIA hits 98°. This ties the record high for the date last set in 2009.
- August 24 – Denver hits 98°. Breaks old record of 97° set in 1936
- August 25 – Denver reaches 99°. Breaks old record of 96° set in 1913. Also marks the latest date in the year that Denver’s temperature reached 99 degrees. Previously the date was August 16.
- August 28 – Denver tops out at 96°. Breaks old record of 94° set in 1969 and previous years
- August 28 – The mercury only drops to 67° over the 24 hour period. This sets a new record high minimum for the date. The previous record was 66° set in 2010 and previous years.
One important aspect to these records is that most of those marks would never have been reached were it not for the measurements being taken at DIA. Other station’s closer to the historical Denver weather sites near Stapleton and downtown never approached as warm of temperatures.
August 21 to September 3 – This Week in Denver Weather History
So who is ready for some snow? Along with many other notable weather events, it was this week in Denver history when we received our earliest snowfall on record!
From the National Weather Service:
19-30
In 1875…grasshoppers appeared in great numbers at 10:00 am on the 19th. Thousands landed on the ground. The streets were literally covered with them. Swarms of grasshoppers were seen on each day. All gardens in the city were devastated…and in the countryside the grasshoppers were very destructive to ripened grain. On the 30th the grasshoppers were so numerous as to almost darken the sun.
27-28
In 2004…a brief chilly spell resulted in three temperature records. The high temperature of 55 degrees on the 27th was a record low maximum for the date. The low temperature of 48 degrees on the 27th equaled the record minimum for the date. The low temperature of 42 degrees on the 28th was a record minimum for the date.
28
In 1887…a dry thunderstorm produced north winds to 48 mph but only a trace of rainfall.
In 1968…one man was seriously injured by lightning while riding on a roller coaster at a Denver amusement park. An airline employee was injured when lightning struck a jetliner he was servicing at Stapleton International Airport. A lightning-caused fire did extensive damage to one house and minor damage to several others in the city of Denver.
In 1970…a microburst wind gust to 53 mph was recorded at Stapleton International Airport.
In 2002…a severe thunderstorm produced 3/4 inch diameter hail near Parker.
In 2005…lightning sparked a small fire near Jamestown. The blaze was quickly contained and consumed less than an acre.
29
In 1876…after the passage of a gentle rain shower to the east during the late evening hours…the moon shone brightly and a remarkably bright lunar rainbow appeared.
In 1910…an apparent cold front produced sustained northeast winds to 40 mph.
In 1946…the high temperature warmed to only 55 degrees…the record low maximum for the month.
In 1989…a spectacular lightning display knocked out power to 300 blocks in southeast Denver. One bolt started a fire in a lumber yard in the northeast part of the city…and the attic of a home in the same area was set ablaze by a lightning bolt.
In 1996…3/4 inch diameter hail was measured in Parker.
In 2000…lightning struck two homes in Thornton. The extent of damage was unknown.
In 2002…two small tornadoes caused damage in southeast metro Denver. The first tornado…associated with a multi-vortex storm…touched down briefly near E-470 and South Jordan Road. Some fences were damaged…and a few trees were blown down. A few of the homes also sustained minor roof damage. Damage from this storm totaled 100 thousand dollars. The second tornado associated with the storm touched down in a subdivision that was under construction at Gartrell and Arapahoe roads. Four large condominiums under construction were destroyed. The most heavily damaged portions of the structures were still in the framing stages. Adjacent sections where enclosed walls were in place were not destroyed. A man suffered 4 broken ribs and several cuts and bruises when the trailer he sought shelter in was flipped three times and torn apart by the twister. Damage from this storm totaled 6 million dollars. A severe thunderstorm produced 1 inch diameter hail near Evergreen.
In 2006…severe thunderstorms produced large hail in the foothills west of Denver. Hail to 1 inch in diameter fell near Blackhawk. Hail as large as 7/8 inch was measured near Idaho Springs…along with 3/4 inch hail near Nederland and conifer.
Continue reading August 21 to September 3 – This Week in Denver Weather History
In two days Denver ties on temperature record, breaks another
If you thought with the kids heading back to school summer was coming to an end Mother Nature has other plans. The hot weather continues and in the past two days it has reached record setting heights.
Yesterday, August 23rd, Denver hit a high temperature of 98 degrees as measured at Denver International Airport. This tied the previous record high for the date last set in 2009 and previous years. Thornton fared a bit cooler as we ‘only’ reached 96 degrees.
Despite forecasts calling for cooler temperatures today, the mercury just kept on climbing and topped out at 98 degrees at 3:17pm. This broke the old record high temperature of the date of 97 degrees set 75 years ago in 1936. Mercifully, Thornton again was cooler with a high of 95 degrees.
As with all Denver records since 1995 when the National Weather Service moved the city’s official monitoring station to DIA, the records come with an asterisk. That move of 12 miles has resulted in consistently higher temperatures than what is seen at the historical site at Stapleton or closer to downtown.
Another official station, located at Denver City Park, provides evidence of this over the last two days. The station is much closer to where historical records were taken and thus can be more accurately used to compare to the past.
That station recorded a high of 97 degrees yesterday and 95 degrees today. Neither of these would be records had Denver’s station not made the move to a different microclimate at DIA.
Read more about this problem with Denver’s climate records on Examiner.com: The fallacy of Denver’s climate records: Weather station move skews data
A whole lotta shakin’ going on: Earthquakes rattle southern Colorado
Nearly a dozen earthquakes have hit southern Colorado in the past 24 hours including a strong magnitude 5.3 temblor, the largest in the state since 1973. The quakes are occurring nearly 10 years ago to the date that a similar earthquake swarm struck the same area near Trinidad.
Yesterday morning a minor magnitude 2.9 quake struck but that was merely a warm up for what was to follow. A magnitude 4.6 quake then struck in the evening followed by the magnitude 5.3 quake just before midnight.
The USGS reports that the most powerful quake was felt as far away as the Denver metro area. Some homes and highways were damaged in the area of the quake.
For the complete story on the quake, be sure to read the story on Examiner.com: Earthquake swarm strikes Colorado; Strong magnitude 5.3 biggest of 11 temblors
You can also monitor earthquake activity in Colorado on our earthquake page here.
August 21 to August 27 – This Week in Denver Weather History
Denver’s weather is not often boring. Lightning, hail, tornadoes and even swarms of grasshoppers have made appearances this week in Denver weather history.
From the National Weather Service:
19-30
In 1875…grasshoppers appeared in great numbers at 10:00 am on the 19th. Thousands landed on the ground. The streets were literally covered with them. Swarms of grasshoppers were seen on each day. All gardens in the city were devastated…and in the countryside the grasshoppers were very destructive to ripened grain. On the 30th the grasshoppers were so numerous as to almost darken the sun.
21
In 1876…heavy thunderstorm rain and hail struck the city. Hail stones as large as partridge eggs accumulated to a depth of 1 1/2 feet over eastern portions of the city. The heavy rainfall flooded streets and gutters. However… No significant damage was reported. Rainfall totaled 0.85 inch in central Denver.
In 1903…a thunderstorm produced west winds sustained to 42 mph with gusts to 48 mph.
In 1957…heavy thunderstorm rainfall and hail over the bear creek basin flooded portions of State Highway 8 in and near Morrison. There was also minor property damage in Morrison.
In 1995…a 68-year-old woman was struck by lightning while standing near a tree in Brighton.
In 2006…a severe thunderstorm produced 7/8 inch diameter hail in Franktown.
22
In 1898…an apparent thunderstorm produced southwest sustained winds to 40 mph with gusts to 43 mph.
In 1903…a late afternoon thunderstorm produced rain…hail… And east winds sustained to 40 mph with gusts to 44 mph.
In 1904…the lowest recorded temperature in August…40 degrees…occurred. The same temperature also occurred on three consecutive days…August 24…25…and 26 in 1910.
In 1965…heavy rain and hail caused some damage from flooding over northern Douglas County from Castle Rock to Franktown.
In 1981…thunderstorms moved across metro Denver. At least 5 funnel cloud sightings were reported. Funnel clouds were seen at 96th Ave. and Sheridan Blvd. And at 92nd Ave. and Federal Blvd. in Westminster and 7 miles north of Stapleton International Airport. Lightning injured two people in Boulder. A quarter inch of rain fell in just 5 minutes in Brighton. Up to 3/4 inch of rain doused Parker in 30 minutes.
In 1983…3/4 inch diameter hail was reported at Kittredge… Along with 0.60 inch of rain in 25 minutes.
In 1984…a thunderstorm dumped 4 inches of rain on Brighton in 90 minutes…causing extensive street flooding in the downtown area.
In 1987…over an inch of rain fell in 24 hours throughout most of metro Denver. A public library suffered water damage to the ceiling…carpet…and a few books. Rainfall was 0.76 inch at Stapleton International Airport.
In 1990…lightning knocked out power to about 2500 homes in Lakewood for about an hour.
In 1991…National Weather Service personnel at Stapleton International Airport sighted an apparent tornado briefly on the ground 3 miles west-northwest of the airport. No damage was reported.
In 1995…lightning struck 3 electrical power substations in Louisville. Residences of more than 4500 people were without power from 30 minutes to more than an hour.
In 1996…between 1 and 3 inches of rain fell across metro Denver. As a result…several low lying areas were flooded. A bicyclist was swept into a fast moving creek when he tried to cross a flooded bike path. The man was washed downstream about 15 feet before getting snagged by a tree stump. He and a man who tried to rescue him received minor injuries. The heavy rain caused numerous power outages…false fire alarms…and traffic accidents. In Lakewood…telephone service to around 60 thousand residents was knocked out when a switching center was flooded. Funnel clouds were sighted near Chatfield Reservoir and Highlands Ranch.
In 2000…lightning sparked a blaze which gutted a 10-unit apartment building in Highlands Ranch. Twenty-eight people were left homeless. Damage was estimated at 2 million dollars.
In 2007…severe thunderstorms produced large hail…up to 1 1/4 inches in diameter…in the vicinities of Castle Rock… Elizabeth and Franktown.
Continue reading August 21 to August 27 – This Week in Denver Weather History